A couple more F48v4 Questions

[nmiller0113]

• What do most folks use to supply power? I'm looking for something small, but reliable like Meanwell, as this will only be supplying power to the controller and nothing else.
• Does anyone know the distance you can go between v2 SmartReceiver boards? I know that from the controller you can go ~300 or more feet, but how about between v2 SmartReciever boards?

[pixelpuppy]

Does anyone know the distance you can go between v2 SmartReceiver boards? I know that from the controller you can go ~300 or more feet, but how about between v2 SmartReciever boards?

The RS485 distance is TOTAL distance, whether its one receiver or 3 or 6 in a chain.   Unlike pixels, the receivers are not RS485 repeaters.  The physical connection passes straight through each receiver board without any regeneration.

[nmiller0113]

Does anyone know the distance you can go between v2 SmartReceiver boards? I know that from the controller you can go ~300 or more feet, but how about between v2 SmartReciever boards?

The RS485 distance is TOTAL distance, whether its one receiver or 3 or 6 in a chain.  Unlike pixels, the receivers are not RS485 repeaters.  The physical connection passes straight through each receiver board without any regeneration.

Thank you @pixelpuppy! That's very helpful and makes complete sense! Hopefully, someone knows about my other question regarding the best power small power supply suggested...Then I'll be done with questions on this new board

[socalmatt]

• What do most folks use to supply power? I'm looking for something small, but reliable like Meanwell, as this will only be supplying power to the controller and nothing else.

In the product description it says:
"Board can be powered from 5 or 7 - 13V, 3 amp minimum power supply."

If you don't plan to supply power to any pixels with the local onboard smart receiver it seems like this little 5v 3a Mean Well could work:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T6UJBU/

[Illuminaughty]

If you don't plan to supply power to any pixels with the local onboard smart receiver it seems like this little 5v 3a Mean Well could work:

I am a beginner at all this but I chose to use this step down connected to one of my 12v power supplies in order to run the F48v4 (not pushing pixels from the main board). Waiting on the part now. Hopefully it works.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y2V1F8V/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_R4SZ0VZY68S5Y9V08H75

[Illuminaughty]

I'd also be interested to know what the advantages/disadvantages are to running 5v vs 12v on the F48.

[JonD]

Some have mentioned heat issues when powering the F48 with a 12v power supply.  When a 12v power supply is used, the board possibly reduces the voltage down to 5v.  The theory is the process to reduce the voltage apparently can generate a lot of heat.  I have not looked into this or the board specs.  Just passing on what I have read on other threads. 

If you are not powering 12v pixels from the board, you might consider powering the the board with a 5v power supply.  This has lowered the running temps of other users.

[pixelpuppy]

The theory is the process to reduce the voltage apparently can generate a lot of heat

not a theory....its actually what happens.   Power is measured in watts.  12v x 3a = 36 watts.   Dropping it to 5v takes that down to 15 watts, which means 21 watts of heat needs to be dissipated in the conversion from 12v down to 5v at 3a

[k6ccc]

The theory is the process to reduce the voltage apparently can generate a lot of heat

not a theory....its actually what happens.  Power is measured in watts.  12v x 3a = 36 watts.  Dropping it to 5v takes that down to 15 watts, which means 21 watts of heat needs to be dissipated in the conversion from 12v down to 5v at 3a

That is true for a linear regulator, but not with any decently designed switching regulator.  Now with that said, I don't have any F48 so I don't know, but my wild ass guess is that the F48 uses a linear regulator.  If that is correct, they yes, it will make quite a bit of heat.

[nmiller0113]

I ended up purchasing this and it works great! https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/709-LRS35-5